Whether you’re simply considering installing a new garage door or already have an installation day booked, understanding the process is key to ensuring everything runs smoothly. Knowing what to expect when the professionals arrive helps you prepare your home and avoid unnecessary surprises. From initial preparation to final clean-up, we’ll walk you through each step so you know exactly what to expect on installation day.

Why Choose Professional Garage Door Installation?

Garage door installation is a complex process that requires specialized tools and knowledge. Improper installation can lead to issues such as poor function, excessive wear and tear, and serious safety hazards. Opting for professional garage door installation helps to avoid these issues and ensures the proper function of the door. Experienced technicians know how to properly install a garage door and prevent common problems so your door operates safely and reliably for years to come.

With so many styles and sizes of garage doors on the market, it can be challenging to determine which is right for your home. An experienced technician will help you find the best option by considering factors such as the opening size, your design preferences, and your budget. They’ll walk you through the selection process from start to finish to reduce worry and help you find the right door for your home.

Steps in the Garage Door Installation Process

Knowing what to expect on installation day helps you prepare for the process and guarantees everything goes according to plan. Technicians follow a standard process to guarantee the proper function and safety of your new garage door. From initial site preparation to final clean-up, the installation process includes the following steps:

1. Site prep: Technicians will double-check the opening’s dimensions and that the work area is clear and unobstructed. They will then prepare their tools and equipment for the installation.
2. Removal of the old door: If you’re replacing an old garage door, the technicians will take steps to carefully remove and dispose of it.
3. Door installation: Installers will attach the tracks, door panels, springs, and cables of your new garage door.
4. Connect the opener: Once they install the above, technicians will secure the opener motor unit to the ceiling. They’ll then connect and adjust the opener arm.
5. Secure and weatherproof: The installers will check and tighten all bolts, screws, and fasteners, then seal any gaps with weatherstripping.
6. Testing and safety checks: Technicians will test the new garage door for proper function and ensure all safety sensors work correctly.
7. Clean up: With the installation complete, they’ll clean up the work area and answer any final questions you have.

Preparing Your Home for Garage Door Installation

Before installation day arrives, there are several steps you’ll need to take to prepare your home for your new garage door. Proper preparation helps the process run smoothly and prevents safety risks to the professionals and your household. To prepare for installation, make sure to:

• Move your vehicles: Cars are often in key areas to which the installers will need access. Before they arrive, move all vehicles out of the garage to clear space for the installation. 
• Clear out your garage: While you don’t need to move everything out, it’s important to create enough space for the installers to work. If you have nowhere to put items, place them at the back of the garage with at least 14 feet of clearance from the opening.
• Keep children and pets away: Curious pets and children can pose a safety threat to installers and themselves if they wander into the work area. Find a safe location for them to stay while the installation is happening.
• Decide where to put additional components: Consider where you’d like the wall console and entry pad to go. Often, consoles are on the wall closest to the entrance, and entry pads are placed on the left side of the exterior.  
• Prepare questions for the installer: If you have any concerns or questions about the installation process, prepare them beforehand. You can discuss everything when the installer arrives to address your concerns before the installation begins.

Common Challenges During Installation and How Pros Handle Them

Installing a new garage door is a complex job and can pose some challenges. Thankfully, professionals have the training and experience to mitigate these challenges for a smooth installation process. Common concerns they’ll address include:

• Spring tension: Garage door springs hold a significant amount of energy that can be dangerous if not handled correctly. To ensure safe operation, they use specialized tools to set the spring tension for proper balance.
• Alignment: Proper alignment is essential for garage door function. Installers will carefully measure, level, and adjust the door to achieve the correct balance.
• Accurate measurements: Your garage door needs to be the right fit. Professionals use measuring tools to check that the door perfectly fits the opening.
• Weatherproofing: It’s important to seal gaps around the garage door to prevent drafts and water damage in your garage. Installers use weatherstripping to seal the edges of the door, protecting it from the elements.
• Electrical wiring: Correct wiring is essential to powering the garage door opener and safety features. Professionals will carefully wire and check electrical connections for proper function.

What to Expect After Installation: Maintenance Tips

The best way to keep your new garage door operating smoothly is to schedule professional maintenance at least once per year. During the appointment, a technician will inspect key components, lubricate moving parts, and check that everything works correctly. Some tasks they’ll perform include:

• Inspecting springs, cables, and tracks
• Lubricating rollers, hinges, and tracks
• Assessment of weatherstripping and seals
• Testing the opener, sensors, and remote
• Checking for proper alignment and balance

With regular maintenance, you’ll see improved performance, a longer door lifespan, and fewer repairs. In addition to professional tune-ups, there are some steps you can take at home to keep your garage door in top condition, including:

• Cleaning the tracks with a damp cloth
• Performing visual inspections to check for damage or wear
• Looking for cracks in the weatherstripping
• Testing the safety sensors
• Keeping the area surrounding the door clear

Call Mesa Garage Doors to Schedule Installation Today!

Ready to schedule your garage door installation? Call the experts at Mesa Garage Doors to start the process today! We’ll help you find the right garage door for your budget and preferences and schedule installation at your earliest convenience. With a selection of styles, sizes, and designs available, you’re sure to find a door that transforms your home and elevates its curb appeal.

Call us or book online to schedule your appointment in Southern California today!

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does garage door installation cost?

The average cost to install a new garage door ranges from $260 to $2,300. The total price will depend on your chosen door’s size, type, and material. For a detailed estimate, contact our team or visit our website.

Philip A. Saunders

Mr. Saunders serves as Mesa’s Vice President of Marketing, bringing with him a wealth of experience in strategic marketing and operations. In this role, Mr. Saunders is responsible for overseeing all marketing activities, utilizing a blend of traditional and digital strategies to enhance brand presence and profitability, managing a multi-million dollar marketing budget across various media platforms, and leading the continued implementation of CRM systems to streamline customer engagement and drive business growth.

www.philipasaunders.com

The right garage door size for a truck can differ from a car, depending on the vehicle’s size. A standard-sized door may not accommodate an oversized vehicle, such as a larger-than-average SUV, an RV, or a commercial truck. Trying to fit one through can damage the vehicle and garage door. The size of the door is a factor when determining the cost of garage door installation. We’ll look at standard and custom sizes vs. vehicle types to ensure you get the most out of your investment.

How Big Is a Standard Garage Door?

To help you understand the door size you may need, let’s look at standard garage door sizes. A single-car garage door is usually 7 feet high by 8 or 9 feet wide. Double garage doors are usually around 16 feet wide, whether constructed as a single door or two bays separated by a post or column in the middle.

The configuration matters if you need a larger garage door. The cost of equipment is similar if you choose one double door or two single doors. However, two separate doors will each need a separate garage door opener. A double door needs only one opener and can be more visually appealing. The next question is how big a custom door will you need if you have a larger vehicle.

The Best Garage Door Size for a Truck

Being 7 feet high, standard garage doors can accommodate cars and most SUVs. An SUV is typically 5 feet 5 inches to 6 feet 4 inches high. A pickup truck typically ranges from 6 feet to 6 feet 5 inches in height. It can fit through a 7-foot-high garage door, though you could upgrade to an 8-foot garage door if you feel more comfortable with it.

However, larger trucks have different requirements. The size of the garage door you need depends on the vehicle’s dimensions. To determine the required measurements, consider trucks of the following types:

• Light-Duty Trucks: Trucks weighing 6,000 to 10,000 pounds, including pick-up trucks and small SUVs, can fit in a standard-size 8-foot-wide by 7-foot-tall garage door. A full-size pickup truck is best accommodated by a 10-foot-wide by 7-foot-tall door.
• Medium-Duty Trucks: Weighing 10,001 to 26,000 pounds, these generally include vehicles the size of delivery trucks, utility vans, and ambulances. The best garage door sizes for trucks like these are 12 feet wide by 8 feet tall or 14 feet wide by 8 feet tall. 
• Heavy-Duty Trucks: The largest trucks, including tractor-trailers and construction vehicles, aren’t likely to be parked in a home garage. They typically require a garage door that is 16 feet wide by 8 feet tall or larger.

Custom garage door sizes are available for larger trucks. These can range from 12 to 32 feet wide and 8 to 24 feet tall. The most important aspect of sizing is that the door is large enough for the vehicle to pass safely beneath it and there’s space for the garage door to slide across the ceiling when open.

Different types of garage doors can accommodate trucks. Depending on the location, the following are the most common door types used:

• Commercial Roll-Up Doors: These are best suited for properties with limited space. They’re durable, lightweight, and can withstand heavy traffic and frequent use.
• Sectional Garage Doors: Designed to fold up or be hidden overhead, sectional doors provide extra headroom, which benefits warehouses and similar facilities. They’re also insulated to improve energy efficiency.
• Up and Over Garage Doors: If your garage door must stay open for long periods, these single-panel doors are useful. They’re quick and easy to operate and swing open manually or electrically.

Garage Door Sizes for RVs

You’ll need a bigger door if you plan to store a recreational vehicle or motor home in your garage. Motor homes and RVs vary greatly in size. They are divided into the following classes that might impact how big a garage door you need:

• Class C: A Class C vehicle usually measures from 10 to 12 feet tall and is built on a modified truck chassis. Aside from accommodating this height, a garage door should be about 8 or 9 feet wide.
• Class B/B+: Trucks in these classes can range from 7 to 10 feet tall and are also best accommodated by garage doors up to 9 feet wide.
• Class A: A Class A RV measures between 12 and 14 feet tall and requires a garage door that is at least 10 feet wide. However, a 12-foot-wide door gives you more room to maneuver and park comfortably.

Other Garage Door Considerations

The dimensions of the truck generally determine the size of the garage door you need. However, there are other considerations since a larger garage door is heavier and has different specifications than a standard-sized model. Consider the following factors when determining the right garage door size for a truck:

• Hardware: For light-duty trucks, choose 14-gauge steel tracks and mounting brackets, a pull rope, and single hinges. A heavy-duty truck requires 13-gauge steel tracks and brackets, a pull chain, or single or double hinges. However, a super heavy-duty truck requires 12 gauge tracks/brackets, a pull chain or chain hoists, single or double hinges, and reinforcement bars.
• Lift: A garage that houses an RV or other large vehicle has a higher wall. A full vertical lift or high lift track is required to accommodate the larger space. An inclined track should be used for an angled ceiling. If space between the top of the door opening and ceiling is limited, consider using a low front headroom lift.
• Garage Door Opener: Larger garage doors are heavier, so you’ll need a more powerful garage door opener. To save space, you can choose a wall-mounted opener. Many newer garage door openers can be monitored and operated remotely, so you can always check on your garage.

How you use your garage also helps pick the right garage door size. A larger model may be needed if you store multiple vehicles plus tools and other items inside. Insulation is also a factor to consider, especially with an attached garage. It affects the thickness of the door. For example, steel garage doors have little insulation but are just ⅛ inch thick. A basic insulated door has ¼ to ½ inch foam between steel panels and a well-insulated door can have up to 1½ inches of foam between them.

Contact Mesa Garage Doors

We hope these insights help you choose the right garage door size for your truck. Our tips for garage door replacement can also help you make an informed decision. At Mesa Garage Doors, we have numerous options available as we install many types of garage doors and garage door openers. For more information or assistance from our friendly and knowledgeable representatives, call (714) 415-2657 today.

Philip A. Saunders

Mr. Saunders serves as Mesa’s Vice President of Marketing, bringing with him a wealth of experience in strategic marketing and operations. In this role, Mr. Saunders is responsible for overseeing all marketing activities, utilizing a blend of traditional and digital strategies to enhance brand presence and profitability, managing a multi-million dollar marketing budget across various media platforms, and leading the continued implementation of CRM systems to streamline customer engagement and drive business growth.

www.philipasaunders.com

Garage door spring replacement is a job for a professional. It’s simply too dangerous to consider as a DIY project, as broken springs can cause extensive damage or injury. Also, proper installation is required for your garage door to work correctly. We’ll look at the steps required to successfully replace the springs in your garage door system. Call a professional if there are signs it’s time to replace torsion springs or garage door extension springs, including the following:

• Slow opening
• The door closes too quickly
• Loud noises
• Crooked garage door
• Gaps in a spring
• Corroded spring

How to Perform Garage Door Spring Replacement

Once the experienced professionals from Mesa Garage Doors arrive, they will proceed with the following steps:

Identify the Type of Spring

Two types of springs are used with residential garage doors:

• Torsion: Torsion springs are installed above the garage door opening. They come in one- or two-spring systems. If a torsion spring is damaged, the door may have little or no movement when you raise it manually. A door positioned midway will feel heavy or not stay in place.
• Extension: Extension springs are positioned on each side of the garage door near the tracks. Safety cables hold them in place. Damage is evident by gaps in the spring coils, rust on the springs, and if the garage door is misaligned.

Measure the Replacement Spring

The next step in garage door spring replacement is to measure the dimensions and attributes of the new spring needed. Finding the right-sized spring ensures it’s compatible with your garage door. A technician must release the spring’s tension to get an accurate measurement. At this stage, they will measure the following parameters:

• Length: The overall length of the unwound spring, including the broken pieces, is added together and rounded up to the nearest whole number.
• Inside Diameter: The spring’s inner diameter is measured. Markings on the spring labeled “ID” specify a value for this parameter.
• Wire Gauge: A professional measures the wire size of a torsion spring by counting 20 coils of wire, measuring that length, and using a reference to translate the measurement into the proper wire size. The length can also be divided by 20 to get a value, while extension springs are often color-coded based on their size.
• Right or Left Wind: The technician checks if the springs coil clockwise (right wound) or counterclockwise (left wound) from the winding cone. A left-wound spring is installed on the right side of the anchor bracket and a right-wound spring is on the left side.

Gather Safety Equipment and Tools

At the very least, garage door spring replacement requires safety glasses and strong gloves. A contractor is experienced with all the safety equipment they need. They also use tools such as heavy-duty wrenches and sockets, winding bars, and others that the average homeowner probably doesn’t have.

Disconnect the Opener

The garage door repair technician disconnects the garage door opener. Otherwise, the system can accidentally turn on while they’re working. They also make sure the door is secure using locking pliers or C-clamps. These keep the door stable during the repair process.

Release Spring Tension

If replacing a torsion spring, the contractor inserts winding bars into the winding cone. The spring is then unwound. If you have extension springs, the door is opened and clamped. The technician can then safely disconnect the springs.

Remove the Old Springs

Once fully unwound, torsion springs are detached from the torsion bar and anchor bracket. Two 9/16” wrenches are used to loosen the bolts holding the springs in place. Extension springs are removed from the brackets and tracks.

Install the New Springs

Torsion springs are installed starting on the left side. The tech slides the new springs onto the shaft and attaches the drum back to the tube. Each spring must be correctly oriented before it’s secured. Extension springs are attached to the appropriate brackets. The contractor adjusts them until they’re the proper tension.

Reset Drums/Cables

Torsion spring drums and cables are reset starting on the left side. This process requires aligning the torsion bar and placing the drum where it was before, lining up with the set screws. The screws are secured and the cable is put back in the drum slot, then wound onto the drum until taught. The bar is then locked in place.

Adjust the Spring Tension

Torsion spring tension is adjusted by winding the springs to the correct number of turns (per the manufacturer’s guidelines). Extension springs are tensioned by changing the attachment point on the track. The technician will do this until the door is balanced.

Test the Garage Door

After removing any clamps or locking pliers, the contractor opens and closes the garage door a few times. At this point, they’ll check whether it operates smoothly and verify the springs were installed correctly.

Why You Need a Professional

Hiring a professional for garage door spring replacement ensures you have someone with the proper expertise and knowledge to get the job done right. A technician is trained in the safety risks and using the correct tools and parts. They also work quickly to get your garage door working again, with no guesswork. The service is warranted, and you save money by avoiding pricier repairs that may be required due to DIY mistakes.

Contact Mesa Garage Doors

Our team provides garage door spring replacement and other repairs in Southern California. This is a common issue as all garage door springs wear out and eventually break. From selecting the correct size to properly installing the new spring, our technicians always get the job done right. We are available 24/7 for emergency service. To schedule a visit or inquire about the cost of garage spring repair, call (714) 831-3202.

Philip A. Saunders

Mr. Saunders serves as Mesa’s Vice President of Marketing, bringing with him a wealth of experience in strategic marketing and operations. In this role, Mr. Saunders is responsible for overseeing all marketing activities, utilizing a blend of traditional and digital strategies to enhance brand presence and profitability, managing a multi-million dollar marketing budget across various media platforms, and leading the continued implementation of CRM systems to streamline customer engagement and drive business growth.

www.philipasaunders.com

You have many reasons to hire a garage door installation professional, but it’s up to you to prepare for the big day. The installation process takes a few hours, but it will be easy if you follow our tips.  Readying your home allows our technicians to work more quickly and efficiently.

These suggestions can help make garage door installation a more positive experience:

Move Vehicles Out of the Garage

The installers cannot work if cars are in your garage. Vehicles are usually parked under where the opener, springs, and tracks are. It’s best to move your car out before the installers arrive. Otherwise, they must wait for it to be moved and may charge for the extra time.

Plan on where to store your car in advance to make things easier. For example, look for street parking near your home or find a safe location on your property. Your vehicle should also be kept away from the garage opening. This is where the installer will need to position their vehicle and bring in equipment and tools.

Clear All Stored Items Out of the Space

Clear out your garage if possible. Aside from vehicles, move boxes, tools, machinery, furniture, and equipment to another area. The garage door installation team must maneuver around the space while they set up and install parts of the door and garage door opener. 

If there’s no room for them elsewhere, move items to the rear of the garage. Lawnmowers and other yard equipment, sports equipment, garbage cans, and other items can be stored in the back of the room if necessary. We recommend having at least 14 feet of clearance from the garage door opening toward the back. This gives the installer room to work as they remove the existing system and assemble the new one.

Have a Safe Place for Children and Pets

Children are naturally curious and garage door installation can look fascinating to them. However, they’re often unaware of safety concerns. Playing in the garage area or being near heavy equipment, power tools, springs or other components is dangerous. That’s not to say a friendly installer won’t show a child a tool or answer a question. But generally, only the installation team should be in the garage.

Also, do not let pets roam freely around the installation area. Even the most friendly pet can cause a worker to trip. Or, an installer may drop something or leave it on the floor, which can endanger the animal if it decides to chew on it. Therefore, keep pets in a secure room or make arrangements with a family member or neighbor if you can’t find one.

Measure the Garage Door Opening

Taking measurements before garage door installation can help you understand the project’s requirements. It also helps communicate with the customer service and installation team. While the technicians will perform accurate measurements, you can prepare in advance by measuring the following:

• The width and height of the space where the door will go.
• The width on the right and left sides of the door opening.
• The distance from the top of the opening to the ceiling (headroom).
• The depth of the room, from the door opening to the back of the garage.

Determine If There’s a Nearby Electrical Outlet

Check for nearby outlets. The garage door opener must plug into one to receive power. A standard 120-volt outlet is suited for an opener, but depending on the system’s power rating, you may need an electrician to install a dedicated circuit. 

Decide Where to Put the Console/Entry Pad

The garage door isn’t the only component you must account for. And, aside from the opener, think about where the wall console or keyless entry pad will go. Control consoles are usually placed on the wall near the door you enter the garage (from inside your home). Keyless entry pads are typically installed on the left side of the exterior jamb, about five feet high. 

The installer may be able to match your preferences. Therefore, discuss location options in advance. Before the team arrives, make sure nothing is blocking the walls where controllers will be placed.

Choose a Location for the Garage Door Opener

If you’ve never had an automatic system, select a place for the opener before the garage door installation team arrives. Otherwise, you’ll have to discuss with them possible locations and then prepare the area. You can keep things simpler by planning. Look for a suitable area, preferably one near an electrical outlet or accessible via an extension cord. If shelving, boxes, or furniture are in the way, move them before installation begins.

Let Your Neighbors Know

Installing a garage door requires a lot of space for equipment and vehicles. It can also be noisy. If your home is close to other houses and apartments, inform your neighbors about your intentions. This way, they won’t be caught off-guard by the noise, and if the crew needs more space in adjacent areas, a friendly neighbor can be ready to accommodate them.

Ensure Easy Access to Your Property

The garage door installers will be going back and forth for several hours. Make sure vehicles have been moved out of your driveway and any walkways near your home have no obstructions that can block their path. The contractors should also have a clear path from their vehicle to the installation site. This gives them room to position the door and set up the required tools and materials.

Prepare Questions in Advance

Open communication helps address your concerns. It also reveals specific project requirements and enables each party to be aware of last-minute changes. Preparing questions in advance can help the installation process go smoother.

Questions you should ask the company and its technicians include the following:

• How long have you been installing garage doors?
• Can I review samples of previous work from your portfolio?
• What type of liability insurance do you have?
• Does your installation service come with a warranty?
• How long will the garage door installation process take?
• Can you detail every cost in your quote?
• What garage door options do you recommend?
• Which manufacturers do you work with?
• How much can I save by insulating the door?
• Will you remove/dispose of my old garage door?
• Should I replace my garage door opener as well?
• Do I need to be home during installation?
• Do you provide emergency repair services?

It also helps to know the door’s features in advance. If possible, obtain the user manual before the installation. It can help you understand the system and determine what to ask when the installers arrive.

Schedule Garage Door Installation Today

At Mesa Garage Doors, we offer next-day installation on many products. Our specialists are trained and equipped to install carriage house, custom wood, high-strength aluminum, steel, and other types of garage doors of all sizes. Contact us, request a free estimate, or call (800) 893-1107 for customized service in Southern California.

Philip A. Saunders

Mr. Saunders serves as Mesa’s Vice President of Marketing, bringing with him a wealth of experience in strategic marketing and operations. In this role, Mr. Saunders is responsible for overseeing all marketing activities, utilizing a blend of traditional and digital strategies to enhance brand presence and profitability, managing a multi-million dollar marketing budget across various media platforms, and leading the continued implementation of CRM systems to streamline customer engagement and drive business growth.

www.philipasaunders.com

The garage door trim forms the door’s frame. While not a mechanical component, it can wear out or be damaged, affecting your garage door’s performance and visual appeal. A professional often does door trim repair. However, if you’re a handy homeowner, we’ll explain how to replace your garage door trim as a DIY project. This is not as simple as replacing garage door weather stripping, but it is doable.

Signs Your Garage Door Frame Needs Repair

The trim around your garage door is typically made of wood. As such, it can wear and break down for many reasons. While you can paint over spotty damage, this can cause issues in the long run (unless the trim is in good shape and the goal is to change your garage’s look). 

Nonetheless, here are signs it’s time to consider replacing your garage door trim:

• Wood Is Rotting: Once parts of the trim start to rot, it can fall apart. Replacing the damaged section may be an option. However, replacing the entire trim is better if it’s aging and needs a functional and aesthetic update.
• Pieces Are Missing: If parts of the door trim are missing, it must be repaired immediately. Wood may be deteriorating or an impact may have caused damage that can spread without door trim repair.
• Paint Is Peeling: Wood rot, damage, or weathering can cause the paint to come off. This leaves your home susceptible to more damage and can reduce its curb appeal. The trim must be repaired and painted.

Garage Door Trim Replacement Process

This type of garage door repair may not be as simple as you think. Here’s an overview of how to proceed, starting with choosing the proper materials, tools, etc.

Gather Materials and Supplies

The first step to door trim repair is to collect all the materials, tools, and other supplies needed, which include the following:

• Trim Material: Wood is the traditional choice and is highly versatile. Pine, cedar, and redwood are common trim options; they resist decay quite well. Composites like PVC or fiber cement are also durable. These resist rot, pests, and harsh weather. Aluminum or steel trims are common choices for contemporary homes.
• Tools: Your toolkit should start with measuring implements. These include a tape measure to accurately determine the door opening’s dimensions and a leveling tool to ensure the trim is horizontally and vertically level. Other necessary tools for garage door trim replacement include:
• Pry Bar: This makes it easier to remove the old trim.
• Handsaw or Power Saw: To cut trim segments to required lengths.
• Hammer/Nail Gun: This is used for securing the door trim.
• Adhesive: A construction-grade adhesive can yield a cleaner look.
• Caulk/Caulking Gun: To seal gaps between the trim and frame.
• Sandpaper: To smooth edges and prepare the surface to be painted or stained.
• Primer: It’s necessary before coloring raw wood trims.
• Paintbrush/Roller: To properly apply any primer, paint, or stain.
• Safety Gear: Wear safety glasses, gloves, and a dust mask whenever working with the door trim.
• Cleaning Supplies: Have rags or cloths handy to clean surfaces and wipe any spills. Trash bags are needed to collect debris, including old trim materials.
• Ladder: A sturdy ladder lets you safely work on trim that’s higher than you can reach.

Remove the Old Trim

A sharp blade is needed to cut through the old caulking. Then the old trim can be removed with a pry bar or flat-head screwdriver. The underlying material may be wood, rubber, or a composite layer. Note the material and its condition. It will have to be replaced if it’s damaged or deteriorated, or small holes or cracks can be filled. Water damage may require more extensive repairs.

Prepare the Area

Once the underlying surface is exposed, remove any nails or other fasteners and clean off any residual adhesive. If any rough spots remain, they must be sanded until the surface is smooth. This ensures the new trim sits flush and adheres properly. If water damage is present, a water-resistant sealant should be applied. If there’s mold or mildew, the area should be treated accordingly.

Select the Trim Material

First, the area where the trim will be installed must be accurately measured. This ensures enough material is purchased and can be cut to size. Consider all angles, corners, and other features that require special cuts. Aside from matching the layout, the trim should match your home’s architectural style, in addition to being weather-resistant and suited for your budget.

Install the New Garage Door Trim

The general process of installing new trim for your garage door is as follows:

• Initial Preparation: After the old trim is removed, the garage should be thoroughly pressure-washed. Applying a fresh strip of paint, about two to three inches wide, around the perimeter provides additional protection. Wait a few hours for the paint strip to dry.
• Decide How to Secure the Trim: In the meantime, determine how the trim will be fixed to the frame. Nails are more suited for heavier trims. However, an adhesive can be used for lighter materials and provides a cleaner look. If harsh weather is common in your area, a combination of both can increase durability.
• Cut the Trim: Using a saw, cut the trim precisely based on your previous measurements. You may want to temporarily fix the pieces in position with a nail gun and ensure everything is aligned. Use a level to determine if each piece is straight. The slightest misalignment can impact the trim’s appearance and functionality.
• Apply Adhesive: If using adhesive, apply the material evenly to the back of the trim. Avoid using too much or it may ooze out. If finishing nails are also being used, they should be placed every four to five inches. Carefully place each segment of trim where it fits.
• Inspect the Trim: Check for gaps or misalignments. Small gaps can be filled with caulk, which also provides a moisture barrier. Adjust any misalignments before the adhesive sets or more nails are used to anchor the material. Your final adjustments must ensure each piece is positioned correctly.
• Clean Up The Area: If adhesive has oozed out from the edges, remove the excess. Discard any debris or other loose materials. Leave the trim undisturbed and let it dry for 24 hours. In the interim, final adjustments can be made to ensure the trim is aligned correctly and attached securely.

Painting

The trim should be primed before being painted. Many people prefer the natural look of wood trim. Staining it can keep its appeal and protect the material. If the trim material is naturally white, you can leave it that way. However, this shows dirt easily and can get stained and discolored over time. 

A trim color that doesn’t show dirt as well is easier to maintain. That doesn’t limit you to a dark color. You can choose a neutral trim to contrast with a boldly colored door. The trim can also be the same color as your home’s facade or contrast with the door or the rest of the exterior. 

Painting garage door trim requires patience and attention to detail. Hiring a professional ensures the right equipment is used and sound decisions are made (they can also help match the trim and your garage door to your home’s style).

Frequently Asked Questions

When Should I Check for Garage Door Trim Damage?

Generally, we recommend inspecting the door trim every six months. This is usually enough to catch issues before they lead to additional damage.

Do I Need a Professional for Door Trim Replacement?

This depends on your skill and comfort level with DIY projects. If the process is complex and you’re not experienced with garage door repairs, consider hiring a pro.

How Much Is It to Replace a Garage Door Trim?

Replacing the trim is affordable compared to most garage door repairs. However, the actual cost can vary depending on the material used and if other repairs are needed.

Hire a Pro for Garage Door Trim Repair and Replacement

If your garage door trim is damaged or worn, the professionals at Mesa Garage Doors can fix it for you. Our factory-trained technicians work throughout Southern California. They can perform door trim repair or replacement to save you time and improve the look and function of your garage. Call (800) 893-1107 to learn more or get a free repair estimate.

Philip A. Saunders

Mr. Saunders serves as Mesa’s Vice President of Marketing, bringing with him a wealth of experience in strategic marketing and operations. In this role, Mr. Saunders is responsible for overseeing all marketing activities, utilizing a blend of traditional and digital strategies to enhance brand presence and profitability, managing a multi-million dollar marketing budget across various media platforms, and leading the continued implementation of CRM systems to streamline customer engagement and drive business growth.

www.philipasaunders.com